Multiple Fuel Manifold System

ABSTRACT

Provided is a multiple fuel manifold system. A multiple fuel manifold system may be adapted for operation engagement with a first associated fluid fuel source and a second associated fluid fuel source. A multiple fuel manifold system may be further adapted for engagement with a burner. A multiple fuel manifold system may comprise a first manifold and a second manifold.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to multiple fuel manifold system, and relate more specifically to a manifold system comprising a plurality of manifolds each adapted to output fuel to in proximity to one or more burners.

BACKGROUND

A manifold is a conduit adapted to convey fluids from an input to a plurality of outputs. Manifolds may be used in a variety of applications, including, but not limited to those in which a fluid stream is split into multiple streams. Applications which comprise manifolds may include heat-producing devices. In particular, manifolds may be used in many varieties of heaters and other heat-producing devices which are adapted to utilize pressurized, fluid fuels. Some such devices are adapted to operate with liquid propane, while other devices are adapted to operate with natural gas.

Many heat-producing devices are designed to operate with a single type of pressurized, fluid fuels

It remains desirable to provide a multiple fuel manifold system to adapt heat-producing devices to utilize any of a variety of pressurized, fluid fuels.

SUMMARY

Provided is a multiple fuel manifold system. A multiple fuel manifold system may be adapted for operation engagement with a first associated fluid fuel source and a second associated fluid fuel source. A multiple fuel manifold system may be further adapted for engagement with a burner. A multiple fuel manifold system may comprise a first manifold and a second manifold.

Further provided is a heater adapted for operation engagement with a first associated fluid fuel source and a second associated fluid fuel. A heater may comprise a multiple fuel manifold system and a burner operatively engaged with the multiple fuel manifold system. A multiple fuel manifold system may comprise, a first manifold adapted to provide fluid communication for a first fluid fuel between the first associated fluid fuel source and the burner. The multiple fuel manifold system may further comprise a second manifold adapted to provide fluid communication for a second fluid fuel between the second associated fluid fuel source and the burner.

Further provided is a heater that may be adapted for operation engagement with a first associated fluid fuel source and a second associated fluid fuel source. The heater may comprise a multiple fuel manifold system, and a burner operatively engaged with the multiple fuel manifold system. A multiple fuel manifold system may comprise a first manifold adapted to provide fluid communication for a first fluid fuel between the first associated fluid fuel source and a burner. A first manifold may comprise a first housing, a first inlet, and a first plurality of outlets. A first housing may define a first interior region of substantially constant cross-sectional area and may comprise a metal or metal alloy and an elongated box comprising a first exterior corner edge. A first inlet may be adapted to provide fluid communication between the first interior region and the first associated fluid source. Each outlet of the first plurality of outlets may be in fluid communication with the first inlet, and with the first interior region. Each outlet of said first plurality of outlets may comprise an orifice in fluid communication with the first inlet and with the first interior region. Each orifice of the first plurality of outlets may be adapted to provide choked flow characteristics for the first fluid fuel from the first associated fluid fuel source. Each outlet of said first plurality of outlets may be located proximate to the first exterior corner edge. A multiple fuel manifold system may comprise a second manifold adapted to provide fluid communication for a second fluid fuel between the second associated fluid fuel source and a burner. A second manifold may comprise a second housing, a second inlet, and a second plurality of outlets. A second housing may define a second interior region of substantially constant cross-sectional area and may comprise a metal or metal alloy and an elongated box comprising a second exterior corner edge. A second inlet may be adapted to provide fluid communication between the second interior region and the second associated fluid source. Each outlet of the second plurality of outlets may be in fluid communication with the second inlet, and with the second interior region. Each outlet of the second plurality of outlets may comprise an orifice in fluid communication with the second inlet and with the second interior region. Each orifice of the second plurality of outlets may be adapted to provide choked flow characteristics for the second fluid fuel from the second associated fluid fuel source. Each outlet of said second plurality of outlets may be located proximate to the second exterior corner edge. A burner may comprise a plurality of Venturi and a plurality of combustion regions. Each Venturi of the plurality of Venturi may be adapted to receive a first fluid fuel from an outlet of the first plurality of outlets, and a second fluid fuel from an outlet of the second plurality of outlets. Each Venturi of the plurality of Venturi may be adapted to accept air from the atmosphere. Each Venturi of the plurality of Venturi may be adapted to mix fuel with air to form a fuel-air mixture. Each combustion region of the plurality of combustion regions may be operatively engaged with a Venturi to accept a fuel-air mixture therefrom. Each combustion region of the plurality of combustion regions may be adapted to combust the fuel-air mixture to produce heat and combustion products.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of one embodiment of a multiple fuel manifold system;

FIG. 2 is a side view of one embodiment of a multiple fuel manifold system;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of one embodiment of a multiple fuel manifold system;

FIG. 4 is an end view of one embodiment of a multiple fuel manifold system;

FIG. 5 is an end view of one embodiment of a multiple fuel manifold system;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a multiple fuel manifold system;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a heat-producing device comprising one embodiment of a multiple fuel manifold system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will be made to the drawings, FIGS. 1-7, wherein the showings are only for purposes of illustrating certain embodiments of a multiple fuel manifold system, and not for purposes of limiting the same.

With reference to FIGS. 1-7, non-limiting embodiments of a multiple fuel manifold system or elements thereof are shown. A multiple fuel manifold system 10 may comprise a first manifold 20, and a second manifold 40. In certain embodiments, a multiple fuel manifold system 10 may comprise additional manifolds (not shown). In certain embodiments, a multiple fuel manifold system 10 may be operably engaged with a burner 60.

In certain embodiments, the multiple fuel manifold system 10 may be adapted to output fuel to a burner 60. In certain embodiments, a multiple fuel manifold system 10 may be adapted to selectively output one of a plurality of fuels to a burner 60. In certain embodiments, a multiple fuel manifold system 10 may comprise a first manifold 20 is adapted to deliver a first fuel (not shown) from a first associated fuel source (not shown) to a burner 60 and a second manifold 40 is adapted to deliver a second fuel (not shown) from a second associated fuel source (not shown) to a burner 60.

In certain embodiments, a burner 60, may comprise a Venturi 62, inspirator, or other adaptation to mix air with a fuel (not shown) delivered from either a first manifold 20 or a second manifold 40. A Venturi 62 may comprise a fuel inlet region 63 to accept a flow of a fuel (not shown), and an air inlet 64 adapted to accept air (not shown) from the environment. In operation, a Venturi 62 provides for mixing of a fuel (not shown) accepted at fuel inlet region 63 and air (not shown) accepted at air inlet 64 by the Venturi effect to produce an fuel-air mixture (not shown). A fuel inlet region 63 may be adapted to accept fuel from one or more orifices 29 or 49. As described more fully below, in certain embodiments, in operation, a fuel inlet region 63 may either receive a first fuel and mix it with air to form a first fuel-air mixture, or receive a second fuel and mix it with air to form a second fuel-air mixture. A burner 60 may comprise a combustion region 66 adapted to accept any of a variety of fuel-air mixtures from the Venturi 62. A combustion region 66 may be adapted to combust a fuel-air mixture to produce heat and combustion products.

As described more fully below, a fuel inlet region 63 may be adapted to accept fuel from one or more orifices 29 or 49. In certain embodiments, a Venturi 62 comprising a fuel inlet region 63 adapted to accept fuel from one or more orifices 29 or 49 may comprise multiple air inlets 64. In certain embodiments, a Venturi 62 comprising a fuel inlet region 63 adapted to accept fuel from one or more orifices 29 or 49 may comprise multiple air inlets in which there is at least one air inlet 64 for each orifice for which the fuel inlet region 63 is adapted to accept fuel. In certain embodiments in which a Venturi 62 comprises at least one air inlet 64 for each orifice, there is an air inlet 64 adapted to provide an appropriate amount of air to mix with the fuel which the orifice is adapted to provide to yield a fuel-air mixture of the appropriate ratio of fuel to air. In certain embodiments, a Venturi 62 comprises a fuel inlet region 63 is adapted to accept fuel from each of two fuel orifices.

In certain embodiments an orifice 29 or 49 may be adapted to provide choked flow to a fluid flowing therethrough. Choked flow occurs when a decrease in the downstream pressure will not increase the mass flow rate while upstream pressure is fixed. In certain embodiments an associated fluid fuel source is adapted to provide a fluid fuel to an orifice at a substantially constant pressure. In certain embodiments, an associated fuel source (not shown) may provide fuel to a regulator (not shown) which in turn may provide a fluid fuel flowing therethrough to all downstream components at a substantially constant regulated pressure.

In certain embodiments, a first manifold 20 comprises a housing 22 defining a interior region 24 adapted to provide fluid communication between an inlet 26 and a set of outlets 28. A housing 22 may comprise a tube, a conduit, a shell, a box, a pipe, a hose, or any other structure that provides fluid communication between an inlet 26 and a set of outlets 28. In certain embodiments, housing 22 is a narrow box comprising walls 23. A housing 22 may be comprised of metal, polymers, ceramics, glass, or other materials appropriate to its function and application. The interior region 24 may be of constant area or may comprise nozzles, diffusers, restrictions, throats, throttles, expansion regions, or other geometries or structures adapted to modify the flow characteristics of a fluid flowing therein. An inlet 26 may comprise a hole, port, aperture, or other opening adapted to provide fluid communication between the interior region 24 and an associated fluid source (not shown). An inlet 26 may comprise adaptations (not shown) to provide for fluid connection to operably engage the inlet 26 with an associated fluid source (not shown). An adaptation (not shown) to provide for fluid connection to operably engage the inlet 26 with an associated fluid source (not shown) may comprise threads, compression fittings, quick connectors, bushings, clip, clamps, or other adaptations appropriate to its function and application. An outlet 28 may comprise a hole, port, aperture, or other opening adapted to provide fluid communication between the interior region 24 and a burner 60. An outlet 28 may comprise an orifice 29 adapted to provide an appropriate flow characteristics for a specific fluid fuel flowing therethrough. In certain embodiments, an orifice 29 is an orifice for natural gas, or propane. In certain embodiments, an orifice 29 may be threadedly engaged with an outlet 28.

In certain embodiments, a second manifold 40 comprises a housing 42 defining a interior region 44 adapted to provide fluid communication between an inlet 46 and a set of outlets 48. A housing 42 may comprise a tube, a conduit, a shell, a box, a pipe, a hose, or any other structure that provides fluid communication between an inlet 46 and a set of outlets 48. In certain embodiments, housing 42 is a narrow box comprising walls 43. A housing 42 may be comprised of metal, polymers, ceramics, glass, or other materials appropriate to its function and application. The interior region 44 may be of constant area or may comprise nozzles, diffusers, restrictions, throats, throttles, expansion regions, or other geometries or structures adapted to modify the flow characteristics of a fluid flowing therein. An inlet 46 may comprise a hole, port, aperture, or other opening adapted to provide fluid communication between the interior region 44 and an associated fluid source (not shown). An inlet 46 may comprise adaptations (not shown) to provide for fluid connection to operably engage the inlet 46 with an associated fluid source (not shown). An adaptation (not shown) to provide for fluid connection to operably engage the inlet 46 with an associated fluid source (not shown) may comprise threads, compression fittings, quick connectors, bushings, clip, clamps, or other adaptations appropriate to its function and application. An outlet 48 may comprise a hole, port, aperture, or other opening adapted to provide fluid communication between the interior region 44 and a burner 60. An outlet 48 may comprise an orifice 49 adapted to provide an appropriate flow characteristics for a specific fluid fuel flowing therethrough. In certain embodiments, an orifice 49 is an orifice for natural gas, or propane. In certain embodiments, an orifice 49 may be threadedly engaged with an outlet 48.

In certain embodiments, a multiple fuel manifold system 10 comprises multiple manifolds adapted to operably engage one or more burners 60 simultaneously. In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7, a fuel inlet region 63 of a Venturi 62 is adapted to simultaneously operably engage both an orifice 29 of a first manifold 20 and an orifice 49 of a second manifold 40. In certain embodiments in which a multiple fuel manifold system 10 comprises multiple manifolds adapted to operably engage one or more burners 60 simultaneously, the burner 60 is adapted to function using fuel output from any of the manifolds.

In certain embodiments a heater 100 may be adapted for operation engagement with a first associated fluid fuel source (not shown) and a second associated fluid fuel source (not shown). The heater 100 may comprise a multiple fuel manifold system 10, and a burner 60 operatively engaged with the multiple fuel manifold system 10.

A multiple fuel manifold system 10 may comprise a first manifold 20 adapted to provide fluid communication for a first fluid fuel (not shown) between the first associated fluid fuel source (not shown) and burner 60. A first manifold 20 may comprise a first housing 22, a first inlet 26, and a first plurality of outlets 28. A first housing 22 may define a first interior region 24 and may comprise a metal or metal alloy and an elongated box comprising a first exterior corner edge 21. A first inlet 26 may be adapted to provide fluid communication between the first interior region 24 and the first associated fluid source (not shown). Each outlet of the first plurality of outlets 28 may be in fluid communication with the first associated fluid fuel source (not shown), with the first inlet 26, with the first interior region 24, or with some combination thereof. Each outlet of said first plurality of outlets 28 may comprise an orifice 29 in fluid communication with the first associated fluid fuel source (not shown), with the first inlet 26, with the first interior region 24, or with some combination thereof. An orifice 29 may be adapted to provide choked flow characteristics for a first fluid fuel from the first associated fluid fuel source (not shown). Each outlet of said first plurality of outlets 28 may be located proximate to the first exterior corner edge 21.

A multiple fuel manifold system 10 may comprise a second manifold 40 adapted to provide fluid communication for a second fluid fuel (not shown) between the second associated fluid fuel source (not shown) and burner 60. A second manifold 40 may comprise a second housing 42, a second inlet 46, and a second plurality of outlets 48. A second housing 42 may define a second interior region 44 and may comprise a metal or metal alloy and an elongated box comprising a second exterior corner edge 41. A second inlet 46 may be adapted to provide fluid communication between the second interior region 44 and the second associated fluid source (not shown). Each outlet of the second plurality of outlets 48 may be in fluid communication with the second associated fluid fuel source (not shown), with the second inlet 46, with the second interior region 44, or with some combination thereof. Each outlet of said second plurality of outlets 48 may comprise an orifice 49 in fluid communication with the second associated fluid fuel source (not shown), with the second inlet 46, with the second interior region 44, or with some combination thereof. An orifice 49 may be adapted to provide choked flow characteristics for a second fluid fuel from the second associated fluid fuel source (not shown). Each outlet of said second plurality of outlets 48 may be located proximate to the second exterior corner edge 41.

A burner 60 may comprise a plurality of Venturi 62 and a plurality of combustion regions 66. Each Venturi of a plurality of Venturi 62 may be adapted to receive a fluid fuel from an outlet of the first plurality of outlets 28, and an outlet of the second plurality of outlets 48. Each Venturi of a plurality of Venturi 62 may be adapted to accept air from the atmosphere. Each Venturi of a plurality of Venturi 62 may be adapted to mix fuel with air to form a fuel-air mixture. Each combustion region of a plurality of combustion regions 66 may be operatively engaged with a Venturi 62 to accept a fuel-air mixture therefrom. Each combustion region 66 may be adapted to combust the fuel-air mixture to produce heat and combustion products.

While the multiple fuel manifold system has been described above in connection with the certain embodiments, it is to be understood that other embodiments may be used or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiments for performing the same function of the multiple fuel manifold system without deviating therefrom. Further, the multiple fuel manifold system may include embodiments disclosed but not described in exacting detail. Further, all embodiments disclosed are not necessarily in the alternative, as various embodiments may be combined to provide the desired characteristics. Variations can be made by one having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the wall mount system. Therefore, the multiple fuel manifold system should not be limited to any single embodiment, but rather construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the recitation of the attached claims. 

1. A multiple fuel manifold system adapted for operation engagement with a first associated fluid fuel source and a second associated fluid fuel source, said multiple fuel manifold system further adapted for engagement with a burner, said multiple fuel manifold system comprising, a first manifold; and a second manifold.
 2. The multiple fuel manifold system of claim 1, wherein said first manifold comprises, a first housing, said first housing defining a first interior region; a first inlet, said first inlet adapted to provide fluid communication between said first interior region and said first associated fluid source; and a first plurality of outlets, wherein each outlet of said first plurality of outlets is in fluid communication with said first associated fluid fuel source.
 3. The multiple fuel manifold system of claim 2, wherein said second manifold comprises, a second housing, said second housing defining a second interior region; a second inlet, said second inlet adapted to provide fluid communication between said second interior region and said second associated fluid source; and a second plurality of outlets, wherein each outlet of said second plurality of outlets is in fluid communication with said second associated fluid fuel source.
 4. The multiple fuel manifold system of claim 3, wherein each outlet of said first plurality of outlets is in fluid communication with said first inlet and said first interior region; and wherein each outlet of said second plurality of outlets is in fluid communication with said second inlet and said second interior region.
 5. The multiple fuel manifold system of claim 4, wherein the first interior region is of substantially constant cross-sectional area; and the second interior region is of substantially constant cross-sectional area.
 6. The multiple fuel manifold system of claim 5, wherein wherein each outlet of said first plurality of outlets comprises an orifice in fluid communication with said first fuel source, said orifice adapted to provide appropriate flow characteristics for fluid fuel from said first associated fluid fuel source; and wherein each outlet of said second plurality of outlets comprises an orifice in fluid communication with said second fuel source, said orifice adapted to provide appropriate flow characteristics for fluid fuel from said second associated fluid fuel source.
 7. The multiple fuel manifold system of claim 6, wherein wherein each orifice in fluid communication with said first fuel source is adapted to provide choked flow of a fluid fuel from said first associated fluid fuel source; and wherein each orifice in fluid communication with said second fuel source is adapted to provide choked flow of a fluid fuel from said second associated fluid fuel source.
 8. The multiple fuel manifold system of claim 7, wherein said first housing comprises a metal or metal alloy; and said second housing comprises a metal or metal alloy.
 9. The multiple fuel manifold system of claim 8, wherein said first housing comprises, an elongated box, said box comprising an exterior corner edge, and wherein each outlet of said first plurality of outlets is located proximate to said edge; and said second housing comprises an elongated box, said box comprising an exterior corner edge, and wherein each outlet of said second plurality of outlets is located proximate to said edge.
 10. A heater adapted for operation engagement with a first associated fluid fuel source and a second associated fluid fuel, said heater comprising: a multiple fuel manifold system, said multiple fuel manifold system comprising, a first manifold adapted to provide fluid communication for a first fluid fuel between said first associated fluid fuel source and a burner, and a second manifold adapted to provide fluid communication for a second fluid fuel between said second associated fluid fuel source and a burner; and a burner operatively engaged with said multiple fuel manifold system.
 11. The heater of claim 10, wherein said first manifold comprises, a first housing, said first housing defining a first interior region; a first inlet, said first inlet adapted to provide fluid communication between said first interior region and said first associated fluid source; and a first plurality of outlets, wherein each outlet of said first plurality of outlets is in fluid communication with said first associated fluid fuel source, said first inlet, and said first interior region.
 12. The heater of claim 11, wherein said second manifold comprises, a second housing, said second housing defining a second interior region; a second inlet, said second inlet adapted to provide fluid communication between said second interior region and said second associated fluid source; and a second plurality of outlets, wherein each outlet of said second plurality of outlets is in fluid communication with said second associated fluid fuel source, said second inlet, and said second interior region.
 13. The heater of claim 12, wherein, the first interior region is of substantially constant cross-sectional area; and the second interior region is of substantially constant cross-sectional area.
 14. The heater of claim 13, wherein, wherein each outlet of said first plurality of outlets comprises an orifice in fluid communication with said first fuel source, said orifice adapted to provide choked flow characteristics for a fluid fuel from said first associated fluid fuel source; and wherein each outlet of said second plurality of outlets comprises an orifice in fluid communication with said second fuel source, said orifice adapted to choked flow characteristics for fluid fuel from said second associated fluid fuel source.
 15. The heater of claim 14, wherein, said first housing comprises a metal or metal alloy, an elongated box, said box comprising a first exterior corner edge, and wherein each outlet of said first plurality of outlets is located proximate to said first exterior corner edge; and said second housing comprises a metal or metal alloy, an elongated box, said box comprising a second exterior corner edge, and wherein each outlet of said second plurality of outlets is located proximate to said second exterior corner edge.
 16. The heater of claim 15, wherein said burner comprises, a plurality of Venturi; and a plurality of combustion regions.
 17. The heater of claim 16, wherein each Venturi of said plurality of Venturi, is adapted to receive a fluid fuel from at least one of the first manifold or the second manifold; wherein each Venturi is adapted to accept air from the atmosphere; and wherein each Venturi is adapted to mix fuel with air to form a fuel-air mixture.
 18. The heater of claim 17, wherein each combustion region of said plurality of combustion regions, is operatively engaged with a Venturi to accept a fuel-air mixture therefrom; and wherein each combustion region is adapted to combust said fuel-air mixture to produce heat and combustion products.
 19. The heater of claim 18, wherein each Venturi of said plurality of Venturi, is adapted to receive a fluid fuel from, an outlet of said first plurality of outlets; and an outlet of said second plurality of outlets.
 20. A heater adapted for operation engagement with a first associated fluid fuel source and a second associated fluid fuel source, said heater comprising: a multiple fuel manifold system, said multiple fuel manifold system comprising, a first manifold adapted to provide fluid communication for a first fluid fuel between said first associated fluid fuel source and a burner, said first manifold comprising, a first housing comprising a metal or metal alloy, said first housing defining a first interior region of substantially constant cross-sectional area, said first housing further comprising, an elongated box comprising a first exterior corner edge, a first inlet, said first inlet adapted to provide fluid communication between said first interior region and said first associated fluid source, a first plurality of outlets, wherein each outlet of said first plurality of outlets is in fluid communication with said first inlet, and with said first interior region, and wherein each outlet of said first plurality of outlets comprises an orifice in fluid communication with said first inlet and with said first interior region, said orifice adapted to provide choked flow characteristics for the first fluid fuel from said first associated fluid fuel source, and wherein each outlet of said first plurality of outlets is located proximate to said first exterior corner edge; and a second manifold adapted to provide fluid communication for a second fluid fuel between said second associated fluid fuel source and a burner, said second manifold comprising, a second housing comprising a metal or metal alloy, said second housing defining a second interior region of substantially constant cross-sectional area, said second housing comprising, an elongated box comprising a second exterior corner edge, a second inlet, said second inlet adapted to provide fluid communication between said second interior region and said second associated fluid source a second plurality of outlets, wherein each outlet of said second plurality of outlets is in fluid communication with said second inlet and, with said second interior region, and wherein each outlet of said second plurality of outlets comprises an orifice in fluid communication with said second inlet and with said second interior region, said orifice adapted to provide choked flow characteristics for the second fluid fuel from said second associated fluid fuel source, and wherein each outlet of said second plurality of outlets is located proximate to said second exterior corner edge; and a burner operatively engaged with said multiple fuel manifold system, said burner comprising, a plurality of Venturi, wherein each Venturi of said plurality of Venturi is adapted to receive a first fluid fuel from an outlet of said first plurality of outlets, and a second fluid fuel from an outlet of said second plurality of outlets, wherein each Venturi is adapted to accept air from the atmosphere, and wherein each Venturi is adapted to mix fuel with air to form a fuel-air mixture, and a plurality of combustion regions, wherein each combustion region of the plurality of combustion regions is operatively engaged with a Venturi to accept a fuel-air mixture therefrom, and wherein each combustion region is adapted to combust said fuel-air mixture to produce heat and combustion products. 